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  Media access server for satellite-based cellular networksUSPTO Application #: 20080107064Title: Media access server for satellite-based cellular networks Abstract: A system and method for processing media control traffic between a mobile switching center and plurality of remotely located media devices is described. The media devices are infrastructure components of a wireless network. The media control traffic includes a satellite link in the path between the mobile switching center and the media devices. The system and method use a media access server which is adapted for receiving media control messages from the mobile switching center for the plurality of media devices via the satellite link. The media access server acts as single a point of contact for media control messages between the mobile switching center and the plurality of media devices. In another implementation the media access server acts a single point of contact between the mobile switching center and a plurality of remote media devices, but a satellite link is not present between the mobile switching center and the media access server. (end of abstract) Agent: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP - Chicago, IL, US Inventors: Neset Arda Erol, Ronald McLeod USPTO Applicaton #: 20080107064 - Class: 370316 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080107064. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001]1. Field [0002]This invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications and more particularly to a method and apparatus for handling signaling traffic between a mobile switching center and remotely located media components of a wireless network over a satellite link. [0003]2. Description of Related Art [0004]It is known in the art that an Internet Protocol (IP) network can be used between two media gateways (MGWs) or Base Station Controllers (BSCs) or between an MGW and a BSC to carry media traffic from mobile terminals, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and the lap-top computers. Such media traffic is transported across networks in accordance with a protocol known as the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) as RTP streams. The Real-time Transport Protocol is a well known standard for transporting media streams in real time between endpoints such as roaming mobile devices. [0005]Wireless service provider networks typically include infrastructure components such as media transcoders, media gateways, interactive voice response platforms, and others, which facilitate the providing of services or media for mobile terminals. Such components, referred to herein generally as "media devices", are configured with hardware and software for generating and terminating media streams. [0006]In some deployments of wireless networks, a satellite link is included in the communication path between a switching element of the wireless network, referred to herein as a mobile switching center, and the media devices. Such deployments may occur for example on an island, where the media devices and mobile terminals are on the island, but the mobile switching center is located on the mainland. In order to provide the media and services for the mobile terminal, the mobile switching center transmits media control messages to the media devices over the satellite link. [0007]In many cases, protocols such as Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), MEGACO and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) are used to control the media devices. Regardless of the protocols used, when multiple media devices need to be controlled (e.g., to play an announcement to a cell phone user or to set up a conference call for the user), several messages need to be exchanged between the mobile switching center and the various media devices involved. The presence of satellites in the communication path can add significant delays to such media control. Such delays degrade the user experience. Usage of satellite links is also expensive and is generally billed based on the amount of data transferred. [0008]There is a need in the art for a method and system more efficiently processing media control messages between a mobile switching center and remotely located media devices which reduces usage of satellite resources between the mobile switching center and the media devices and minimizes delays. This invention provides a media access server system and method that meets this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009]The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. [0010]In one embodiment, a method is provided for processing media control traffic between a mobile switching center and plurality of remotely located media devices, the devices comprising infrastructure components of a wireless network. Such remotely located media devices are typically provisioned with software for either originating or terminating media streams. Examples of such media devices include a conference (or conference bridge) server, a media gateway, a media bridge, a media resource function, an Interworking Function (IWF), also referred to herein as Interworking Unit (IWU), a Base Station Controller (BSC), an interactive voice response (IVR) platform, and a media transcoder. [0011]In the illustrated embodiments, the media control traffic includes a relatively slow and expensive satellite link in the path between the mobile switching center and the media devices. The inventive method and system includes a media access server which is used in processing media control traffic, but also which minimizes use of the satellite link. The media access server is connected to the media devices via a high-speed, typically land-based network, for example in the case where both the media access server and the media devices are located on the same island and are connected via a high speed network. This connection of the media access server and the media devices via a high speed network is referred to herein as "collocated." The media devices need not be physically located at the same location or located in the same physical chassis as the media access server. [0012]The media access server receives media control messages from the mobile switching center via the satellite link. Such media control messages may take a variety of forms, such as media control messages to play an announcement for a wireless terminal, provide media to the wireless terminal, set up a conference bridge for the wireless terminal, transcode media for the wireless terminal or other. Such messages may take the form of media gateway control (MEGACO) (ITU-T H.228) messages. The ITU-T H.228 specification is incorporated by reference herein. The media access server acts as single a point of contact for the media control messages between the mobile switching center and the plurality of media devices. In operation, the media access server receives a media control message for one or more of the media devices from the mobile switching center. The media access server then exchanges communication with the remotely located media components relating to the media control message, typically over a high speed land-based network such as a packet switched network. Such messages may use various protocols, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), MEGACO, Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), or other. The media access server further provides a response to the media control message on behalf of the remotely located media devices. [0013]The usage of the satellite link is reduced from what it otherwise would be if the mobile switching center communicated directly with the media devices over the satellite link, as will be illustrated by several examples in the detailed description below. [0014]Consider a first example wherein the media control message received by the media access server includes information for two or more of such remotely located media devices (media devices "A" and "B"). A single consolidated media control message including information for both devices A and B can be sent from the mobile switching center to the media access server over the satellite link. The media access server then forwards the relevant information in the media control message to each of the media devices "A and "B". The media access server then receives responses from the media devices and then consolidates the responses into a single combined response, which may consist of the responses from both devices "A" and "B", or simply an "ok" response, and transmits the combined response to the mobile switching center. [0015]Further aspects of the invention are directed to a media access server for performing the methods described herein, and to a wireless service provider system including a media access server, mobile switching center and remotely located media devices. [0016]In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. All questions regarding the scope of the invention are to be determined by reference to the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017]Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive [0018]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless service provider system, including a mobile switching center, and media access server acting as a single point of contact between the mobile switching center and a plurality of remotely located media devices. [0019]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a second embodiment where the media access server is connected to the mobile switching center of a land-based network, instead of via a satellite link as shown in FIG. 1. [0020]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an alternative configuration of the media access server. [0021]FIG. 3 is an illustration of the message flow between a mobile switching center and two remote media devices in accordance with prior art. Continue reading... Full patent description for Media access server for satellite-based cellular networks Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Media access server for satellite-based cellular networks patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20080170536 - Dynamic routing from space - A satellite communication network includes one or more satellites and multiple ground stations, or ground stations. An originating ground station receives an Internet communication, determines when a satellite will be within range, and transmits a stream of data packets including part or all of the communication to the satellite when ... ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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